Fish and Fishing 



rience may be relied on to furnish tackle that 

 suffices. But tastes differ somewhat, both as to 

 length of rod and thickness of line; those 

 inclined to be humanly reasonable use 

 longer rods and lighter lines; such a rod may be 

 1\ feet long, having a single long tip and short 

 butt, made either of green heart, snake wood, or 

 noib-wood; the latter has come to be a favorite 

 wood among certain anglers, being firm, close, 

 and of elastic fibre, yet remarkably light. The 

 standard tarpon rod of split bamboo, 7 feet 

 long, weighing 26 ounces, has been known 

 to take a 600-pound fish. Of course, the diffi- 

 culties in landing large fish increase with the length 

 of the rod; it is wise to possess two or more rods 

 (if the angler's pockets are deep enough), and 

 they should be kept in a stiff leather case made 

 for the purpose. For such fishing it would be 

 the height of absurdity to use a common or 

 cheap reel. Twenty-five dollars up to $60, 

 is none too much to pay, and it must hold 600 feet 

 of wet No. 21 Cuttyhunk line, or good linen of 

 equivalent size. It should be fitted with a good drag 

 and have a leather or rubber thumb pad (former 

 preferred), fastened to the crossbar to press against 

 the line. In the matter of lines the angler 

 will do well to have several of various sizes, 

 the novice beginning with No. 25; as he becomes 

 expert he can use No. 21. Skilful anglers have 

 taken the largest fish on No. 18, which is as light 

 as possible, with safety. These lines cost from 

 $3 to $4. 



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